🦒 Wildlife Adventures: ATO Academy Visits the Zoo & Aquarium! 🐠

🐘 A wild day full of laughter, learning, and animal encounters! 🦜

What an unforgettable day of learning, laughter, and discovery! On October 23, 2025, ATO Academy students and chaperones spent the day exploring the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Litchfield Park, AZ. With sunshine, cool breezes, and perfect weather, the stage was set for a full day of hands-on learning and outdoor fun.

Students got up close and personal with incredible wildlife—petting stingrays, feeding giraffes, chatting with colorful parrots, and even meeting playful sea lions during a live show that became everyone’s favorite moment of the day. Our group also enjoyed an awesome picnic in the park, giving everyone time to eat, relax, and reflect on their favorite animal encounters before heading back for more exploration.

Leading up to the trip, students prepared by studying animal identification and characteristics in class. They learned how to tell the difference between seals and sea lions, alligators and crocodiles, and cheetahs and leopards—and they were so proud to put that knowledge to use in real time! During the visit, students impressed us by confidently explaining how to distinguish each animal and why those adaptations are important for survival.

The day wasn’t just about seeing animals—it was about understanding their world. Students learned about the importance of recycling, the impact of pollution on habitats, and conservation strategies used to protect endangered species around the globe. These lessons sparked thoughtful discussions on how small actions can make a big difference for wildlife and the environment.

Of course, the sea lion show was a huge highlight—their sea lions eat about 80 pounds of fish each day! Between fun facts, animal interactions, and a few exciting amusement rides, the day felt like a mini vacation filled with learning, teamwork, and joy.

We loved seeing our students’ curiosity, excitement, and social skills shine as they connected classroom lessons to real-world experiences. It was a perfect example of learning beyond the books—hands-on, interactive, and unforgettable.

📸 See For Yourself: Check back soon for our recap video, but in the meantime, look out our photo gallery capturing the excitement, smiles, and special memories from this amazing field trip adventure!

We are so grateful to our families and chaperones who made this day possible. Your continued support helps ATO Academy provide enriching educational experiences that spark creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love for learning.